To baffle, or not to baffle...Valve Covers

[RocketCowboy]

So I picked up a 1981 GMC K1500 and the motor has short valve covers with center bolts. Like a lot of other folks out there, I'm just trying to start off with doing a few little things at a time to my new girl! As I started searching around for some new covers, I've been thrown a little bit of a curve ball, to me anyway. The option of baffled versus non-baffled valve covers! I understand the difference, but does it matter? Which is better? And what about tall or short?

Thanks in advance,

John

[f.monroe]

Originally Posted by RocketCowboy

So I picked up a 1981 GMC K1500 and the motor has short valve covers with center bolts. Like a lot of other folks out there, I'm just trying to start off with doing a few little things at a time to my new girl! As I started searching around for some new covers, I've been thrown a little bit of a curve ball, to me anyway. The option of baffled versus non-baffled valve covers! I understand the difference, but does it matter? Which is better? And what about tall or short?

Thanks in advance,

John

I would go with the baffled valve covers and short instead of all covers. The baffles will keep the PVC valve from sucking up oil that will be splashing around inside the covers. Tall unbaffled valve covers are nice for race engines that Ned the clearance and use a different type of evacuation system.
This is my opinion.
Frank
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[vidman]

Baffled for sure. If you need the clearance for an aftermarket valve train go with the tall, if not the short ones will do...

[andrewmp6]

Baffled are better and short vs tall is easy you use short unless you have roller rockers then you go tall.